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MEGADETH – The System Has Failed |
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Posted: 11/20/04Reviewed by: Lynn Phillips Category: Heavy Metal Released: 2004 Label URL: www.sanctuaryrecords.com Artist URL: www.megadeth.com | |||||||
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The last couple of Megadeth releases have left a bad taste in my mouth, so I wasn’t expecting much from this one. The last I heard, Dave was unable to play the guitar and the remaining band members, including long time bassist Dave Ellefson, went their own separate ways. So when Mr. Mustaine relaunched the band with all new, fairly unknown members, it just didn’t sit right with me. This is one of the rare times when I’m really happy that I’m wrong. This new version of Megadeth rocks hard and has put out the band’s best disc since Countdown to Extinction. It’s been awhile since we’ve heard some flashy and speedy lead guitar work from Megadeth and the guest appearance of old time member Chris Poland went a long way to rectify the situation. Songs like “Blackmail the Universe,” “Kick the Chair,” and “Back in the Day” have a distinctly vintage Megadeth sound. Other tracks like “Die Dead Enough“ and “Tears in a Vial“ are a little more melodic in the vein of Youthanasia and Cryptic Writings but they are quality tunes nonetheless. Session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and session bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas hold down the rhythm section capably, providing the occasional thrash beat. Poland and Mustaine take turns tearing it up on guitar, and Mustaine delivers his trademark scowling vocals. You can almost detect the cynicism dripping off every lyric he sings. Hell, even the cover art is top notch since it was designed by Mike Learn, the designer of many a great Megadeth cover.
The Bloody Truth: As a comeback release, System has far exceeded my expectations. Then again, 2004 has been a virtual gold mine for stalwart fans of 80s heavy metal. Dave keeps saying that this is the band’s last hurrah, as he wanted Megadeth to go out on a high note under his own terms. Mission accomplished Dave!
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